Expandable digit-operapble therapeutic toy

ABSTRACT

The invention of the present disclosure may be a therapeutic toy comprising a corrugated member having a first member end, a second member end, a contracted state, an expanded state, and a plurality of flex units, wherein the corrugated member is convertible between the contracted state and the expanded state, wherein the flex height is the difference in height between the apex and the basin, and wherein the flex height in the expanded state is less than the flex height in the contracted state. The therapeutic toy may further comprise a first cap disposed on the first member end, the first cap comprising a first cap bottom section, a first cap top section, and a first digit passage; and a second cap disposed on the second member end, the second cap comprising a second cap bottom section, a second cap top section, and a second digit passage.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is in the field of therapeutic toys, specifically expandable hand-operated therapeutic devices.

INTRODUCTION

Many individuals develop stress throughout the day. Accordingly, many individuals seek an outlet to reduce their stress. Specifically, these individuals are capable of reducing their stress via movement of their hands.

Moreover, many individuals develop conditions (for example, arthritis pains), which negatively impact the usability of their hands. Such conditions can be alleviated with calculated movements of the hands and fingers. It has been shown that exercise and movement of the hands and digits may both alleviate stress and improve certain muscular or skeletal conditions.

Additionally, people may find comfort in manipulating items. For example, the manipulation of certain devices may reduce anxiety, subdue distractions, and/or promote concentration. Accordingly, focusing anxious energy on item manipulation may enable a user to better focus on the task at hand.

It would be desirable to have apparatuses and methods for reducing stress and promoting concentration by enabling object manipulation via the hand(s).

Thus, it would be further desirable to provide a comparatively small and inexpensive device that is configured to reduce stress. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a therapeutic toy that facilitates soothing sounds and relaxing movements.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the invention of the present disclosure may be a therapeutic toy comprising a corrugated member having a first member end, a second member end, a contracted state, an expanded state, and a plurality of flex units, each of the plurality of flex units comprising a posterior incline, an anterior incline, an apex, a basin, and a flex height, wherein the corrugated member is convertible between the contracted state and the expanded state, wherein the flex height is the difference in height between the apex and the basin, and wherein the flex height in the expanded state is less than the flex height in the contracted state. The therapeutic toy may further comprise a first cap disposed on the first member end, the first cap comprising a first cap bottom section, a first cap top section, and a first digit passage; and a second cap disposed on the second member end, the second cap comprising a second cap bottom section, a second cap top section, and a second digit passage.

The first cap bottom section may comprise a first cap bottom retaining portion, the first cap top section may comprise a first cap top retaining portion, the second cap bottom portion may comprise a second cap bottom retaining portion, and the second cap top portion may comprise a second cap top retaining portion. In a further embodiment, the first member end may comprise a first conduit and a first inner lip, and the second member end may comprise a second conduit and a second inner lip, wherein the first cap top retaining portion and the first cap bottom retaining portion contact the first conduit and the first inner lip, and wherein the second cap top retaining portion and the second cap bottom retaining portion contact the second conduit and the second inner lip.

In an embodiment, the first cap bottom portion comprises a first cap bottom column, the first cap top portion comprises a first cap top column, the second cap bottom portion comprises a second cap bottom column, and the second cap bottom portion comprises a second cap top column, wherein the first digit passage is formed by the first cap bottom column and the first cap top column, and wherein the second digit passage is formed by the second cap bottom column and the second cap top column.

The therapeutic toy may further comprise a first member bottom opening and a first member top opening disposed on the first member end, and a second member bottom opening and a second member top opening disposed on the second member end, wherein the first member bottom opening may be sized to accept the first cap bottom column and the first member top opening may be sized to accept the first cap top column, and wherein the second member bottom opening may be sized to accept the second cap bottom column and the second member top opening may be sized to accept the second cap top column. The first cap may further comprise a first outer rim and a first inner rim, the second cap may further comprise a second outer rim and a second inner rim. In an embodiment, the first cap bottom section, the first cap top section, the second cap bottom section, and the second cap top section, each comprise at least one tab and at least one pocket, wherein the at least one pocket is sized to accept the at least one tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of a therapeutic toy in an expanded state.

FIG. 1B is a front view of an embodiment of a therapeutic toy in a compressed state.

FIG. 2A is a front left perspective view of an embodiment of a therapeutic toy in an expanded state.

FIG. 2B is a front left perspective view of an embodiment of a therapeutic toy in a compressed state.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away illustration of an embodiment of a therapeutic toy.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a plurality of flex units of a therapeutic toy.

FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a therapeutic toy in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention adds a whole new dimension to therapeutic toys, specifically those configured to be manipulated by one’s hands and/or fingers.

Throughout the specification, wherever practicable, like structures will be identified by like reference numbers. In some figures, components, such as additional electrical connections or fasteners have been omitted for clarity in the drawings. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” means “either or both” such that “A or B” includes A alone, B alone, and both A and B together.

The invention of the present disclosure may be a therapeutic toy 100 (also referred to herein as the “toy”). The toy 100 may include a first cap 102A and a second cap 102B. The first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may be disposed on opposite ends of the toy 100. In an embodiment, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B are composed of plastic or any other suitable material. The first cap 102A may include a first digit passage 104A and/or the second cap 102B may include a second digit passage 104B. The first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B may be configured to accept one or more fingers of a user. Thus, the first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B may each have a cross-sectional area sufficient to enable entry by a user’s finger. In an embodiment, the first digit passage 104A and/or the second digit passage 104B may be oval or oblong. For example, the first digit passage 104A and/or the second digit passage 104B must be sized to accept the user’s thumb. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B may have openings of different sizes to accommodate, for example, a thumb in the first digit passage 104A and an index finger in the second digit passage 104B.

Further, the first cap 102A may comprise a first outer rim 106A and a first inner rim 108A. The first outer rim 106A may be disposed on the outer portion (for example, the portion of the first cap 102A proximate to the first top side 112A) of the first cap 102A. The first inner rim 108A may be disposed on the inner portion (for example, the portion of the first cap 102A proximate to the center of the toy 100) of the first cap 102A. The first outer rim 106A may be a beveled or rounded edge that surrounds the circumference of the first top side 112A. Similarly, the first inner rim 108A may be a beveled or rounded edge that surrounds the circumference of the inner side of the first cap 102A.

Moreover, the second cap 102B may comprise a second outer rim 106B and a second inner rim 108B. The second outer rim 106B may be disposed on the outer portion (for example, the portion of the second cap 102B proximate to the second top side 112B) of the second cap 102B. The second inner rim 108B may be disposed on the inner portion (for example, the portion of the second cap 102B proximate to the center of the toy 100) of the second cap 102B. The second outer rim 106B may be a beveled or rounded edge that surrounds the circumference of the second top side 112B. Similarly, the second inner rim 108B may be a beveled or rounded edge that surrounds the circumference of the inner side of the second cap 102B. The beveled or rounded edges of the first inner rim 108A, the first outer rim 106A, the second inner rim 108B, and/or the second outer rim 106B, may be soothing to the touch. For example, a rounded edge may be less jarring than a sharp edge. Accordingly, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may be shaped to induce calmness in the user.

The toy 100 may include a corrugated member 110. The corrugated member 110 may be a flexible tube-like member. The corrugated member 110 may be composed of a plastic material, for example, a soft plastic. The first cap 102A and second cap 102B may be composed of a plastic material, however, a harder plastic. Thus, the caps 102A/102B may be harder than the corrugated member 110. In an embodiment, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B encompass opposite ends of the corrugated member 110. For example, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may attach to the corrugated member 110, such that a user may enter their fingers into the first digit passage 104A and/or second digit passage 104B, enabling the user to manipulate the corrugated member 110.

The first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may each comprise a first top side 112A and a second top side 112B, respectively. In an embodiment, the first top side 112A and the second top side 112B are flat. However, in alternate embodiments the first top side 112A and the second top side 112B may be contoured in any suitable manner. In a further alternate embodiment, the first top side 112A and the second top side 112B may be nonsolid, for example, a hollow opening. The first top side 112A and the second top side 112B may comprise the same shape and/or geometry or may differ from one another. In a further embodiment, the first top side 112A and/or the second top side 112B may include or may be attached to a suction cup. For example, the suction cup may be configured to reversibly adhere one of the first cap 102A or second cap 102B to a receiving surface (for example, a table or desk). Accordingly, the user may manipulate the corrugated member 110 by moving the non-fixed cap 102A/102B.

In an embodiment, a first outer surface 114A may extend from the first outer rim 106A to the first inner rim 108A. However, in an embodiment where the first cap 102A lacks a first outer rim 106A and/or first inner rim 108A, the first outer surface 114A may more generally comprise the outward facing cylindrical surface of the first cap 102A. Similarly, a second outer surface 114B may extend from the second outer rim 106B to the second inner rim 108B. However, in an embodiment where the second cap 102B lacks a second outer rim 106B and/or a first inner rim 108A, the second outer surface 114B may more generally comprise the outward facing cylindrical surface of the second cap 102B.

Further, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may each comprise a first inner surface 116A and a second inner surface 116B, respectively. The first inner surface 116A and the second inner surface 116B may comprise the surface of the first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B. For example, the first inner surface 116A may include the cylindrical wall of the first digit passage 104A. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first digit passage 104A is not bound by cylindrical walls, the first inner surface 116A may generally include the inside walls of the first cap 102A.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may be composed of one or more attachable parts. For example, the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B may include a first cap bottom section 118A and a first cap top section 122A. The first cap bottom section 118A and the first cap top section 122A may be generally the same geometric shape and size. The first cap bottom section 118A may comprise a first cap bottom column 120A and the first cap top section 122A may comprise a first cap top column 124A. The first cap bottom section 118A and the first cap top section 122A may be configured to interface, forming the first cap 102A. Similarly, the first cap bottom column 120A and the first cap top column 124A may be congruent, such that the first cap bottom column 120A and the first cap top column 124A interface to form the first inner surface 116A and/or the inside portion of the first digit passage 104A.

In an embodiment, each of the first cap bottom section 118A and the first cap top section 122A comprise one or more tabs 126 and one or more pockets 128. A tab 126 may be a raised portion of material partially disposed on the perimeter of the first cap bottom section 118A, the first cap top section 122A, the second cap bottom section 118B, and/or second cap top section 122B. The pocket 128 may be a trough partially disposed on the perimeter of the first cap bottom section 118A, the first cap top section 122A, the second cap bottom section 118B, and the second cap top section 122B. A pocket 128 may be sized and configured to accept a tab 126 of an opposite cap section 118A/118B/122A/122B. In an embodiment, an adhesive is disposed between the first cap bottom section 118A and the first cap top section 122A, and the second cap bottom section 118B and the second cap top section 122B. For example, adhesive may be disposed between each tab 126 and corresponding pocket 128. Further, an adhesive may be disposed between the first cap 102A and the corrugated member 110 and the second cap 102B and the corrugated member 110.

In an embodiment, when the first cap 102A and the second cap 102B are assembled, the tab 126 of the first cap bottom section 118A interfaces with the pocket 128 of the first cap top section 122A and the tab 126 of the first cap top section 122A interfaces with the pocket of the first cap bottom section 118A. Similarly, the tab 126 of the second cap bottom section 118B interfaces with the pocket 128 of the second cap top section 122B and the tab 126 of the second cap top section 122B interfaces with the pocket of first cap bottom section 118A. Thus, the top sections 122A/122B and the bottom sections 118A/118B comprise tabs 126 and pockets 128 in opposing meeting positions.

The first cap bottom section 118A may comprise a first cap bottom retaining portion 130A. The first cap bottom retaining portion 130A may be a portion of the first cap bottom section 118A disposed proximal to the corrugated member 110, wherein the first cap bottom retaining portion 130A is configured to partially envelop the corrugated member 110. For example, the first cap bottom retaining portion 130A may be a curved portion of the first cap bottom section 118A that partially surrounds the first member end 140A. Further, the first cap top section 122A may comprise a first cap top retaining portion 132A, wherein the first cap top retaining portion 132A is configured to partially surround the first member end 140A. In a further embodiment, the second cap bottom section 118B and the second cap top section 122B include a second cap bottom retaining portion 130B and a second cap top retaining portion 132B, respectively.

In an embodiment, the corrugated member 110 includes a cavity 134. The cavity 134 may be a hollow portion disposed internal to the corrugated member 110. For example, the cavity 134 may be a void traversing the first member end 140A to second member end 140B.

The first member end 140A may include a first conduit 136A and a first inner lip 138A. The first conduit 136A and the first inner lip 138A may each circumferentially surround the portion of the first member end 140A that is proximal to the plurality of flex units 400. The first conduit 136A may be a cylindrical member having a circumference smaller than the circumference of the majority of the first member end 140A. The first conduit 136A may be disposed between the majority of the first member end 140A and the plurality of flex units 400. The first inner lip 138A may be disposed between the majority of the first member end 140A and the first conduit 136A. The first cap bottom retaining portion 130A and the first cap top retaining portion 132A may contact the first inner lip 138A and the conduit 136A. For example, the circumference of the conduit 136A may be roughly the same circumference as the combined first cap bottom retaining portion 130A and the first cap top retaining portion 132A. As a further non-limiting example, the first inner lip 138A includes a surface area sized to accept the curved portion of the first cap bottom retaining portion 130A and the first cap top retaining portion 132A.

The second member end 140B may include a second conduit 136B and a second inner lip 138B. The second conduit 136B and the second inner lip 138B may each circumferentially surround the portion of the second member end 140B that is proximal to the plurality of flex units 400. The second conduit 136B may be a cylindrical member having a circumference smaller than the circumference of the majority of the second member end 140B. The second conduit 136B may be disposed between the majority of the second member end 140B and the plurality of flex units 400. The second inner lip 138B may be disposed between the majority of the second member end 140B and the second conduit 136B. The second cap bottom retaining portion 130B and the second cap top retaining portion 132B may contact the second inner lip 138B and the second conduit 136B. For example, the circumference of the second conduit 136B may be roughly the same circumference as the combined second cap bottom retaining portion 130B and the second cap top retaining portion 132B. As a further non-limiting example, the second inner lip 138B includes a surface area sized to accept the curved portion of the second cap bottom retaining portion 130B and the second cap top retaining portion 132B.

The first member bottom opening 142A may be a hole in the bottom side of the first member end 140A. The first member bottom opening 142A may be sized to accept the first cap bottom column 120A. The first member top opening 144A may be a hole in the top side of the first member end 140A. The first member top opening 144A may be sized to accept the first cap top column 124A. The second member bottom opening 142B may be a hole in the bottom side of the second member end 140B. The second member bottom opening 142B may be sized to accept the second cap bottom column 120B. The second member top opening 144B may be a hole in the top side of the second member end 140B. The second member top opening 144B may be sized to accept the second cap top column 124B.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the corrugated member 110 comprises a plurality of flex units 400. In an embodiment, the toy 100 includes seven flex units 400. However, the toy 100 may include any suitable quantity of flex units 400. The toy 100 may include a quantity of flex units 400 that enable the corrugated member 110 to be expanded and compressed without over-flexing the corrugated member 110. Accordingly, the maximum expanded length of the corrugated member 110 may be roughly equivalent to the distance between the two fingers in use (for example, the thumb and index finger). Each flex unit 400 may comprise a posterior incline 402, an anterior incline 404, an apex 406, and a basin 408. The posterior incline 402 may be the incline in closest proximity to the first or second member end 140A/140B. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the posterior incline 402 is in closer proximity to the second member end 140B and second cap 102B than the anterior incline’s 404 proximity to the second member end 140B and second cap 102B. The apex 406 may be the joining point for the posterior incline 402 and anterior incline 404, wherein the posterior incline 402 and anterior incline 404 are of the same flex unit 400. The basin 408 may be the joining point for the anterior incline 404 of a first flex unit 400 and the posterior incline 402 of an adjacent flex unit 400. The apex 406 may be at a greater radial height than the basin 408.

In an embodiment, the distance between the apex 406 and basin 408 of a flex unit 400 may be the flex height 410. The flex height 410 may be variable based on the compression of the corrugated member 110. The corrugated member 110 may include a compressed state and an extended state. For example, the flex height 410 in a compressed state may be greater than the flex height 410 in an extended state.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a user may place one finger through each of the first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B. The user may separate their fingers to convert the corrugated member to an expanded state and may contract their fingers to return the corrugated member to a compressed state.

The corrugated member 110 may be of a sufficient flexibility to enable a user to manipulate the corrugated member 110 from a compressed state to an extended state and from an extended state to a compressed state. Further, the corrugated member 110 may be of a sufficient flexibility to enable a user to manipulate the corrugated member 110 in multiple axis. For example, the user may manipulate the corrugated member 110 in the x-axis, the γ-axis, and the z-axis.

In an embodiment, the corrugated member 110 may be of a sufficient plasticity and rigidity to create audible tones upon compression and expansion. For example, upon expansion the flex height 410 may decrease and the distance between the crests of the apexes 406 may increase, causing an audible noise. The noise may reverberate and/or amplify within the cavity 134 of the corrugated member 110. The corrugated member 110 may be configured to manifest different tones upon compression and expansion.

As the corrugated member 110 is expanded or contracted, the resulting noise’s pitch may shift with the expansion and/or contraction of each flex unit 400. For example, the cavity 134 length may change, causing the waves within the cavity 134 to modulate in frequency and wavelength. For example, the pitch may increase as the corrugated member 110 is expanded and the pitch may decrease as the corrugated member 110 is compressed. However, in another embodiment, the pitch may decrease upon expansion. The resulting noise may be particularly satisfying to individuals who suffer from stress.

The first digit passage 104A and the second digit passage 104B may include padding or another material configured to provide comfort to the user. For example, a soft layer may be disposed around the first inner surface 116A and the second inner surface 116B. For example, the padding may be silicone or a silicone-like material. In an embodiment, the padding surrounds the entire first digit passage 104A and second digit passage 104B. However, in another embodiment, the padding is disposed on the inner portion (for example, the portion closest to the corrugated member) of the first digit passage 104A and/or second digit passage 104B.

While certain novel features of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic toy comprising: a corrugated member having a first member end, a second member end, a contracted state, an expanded state, and a plurality of flex units, each of the plurality of flex units comprising a posterior incline, an anterior incline, an apex, a basin, and a flex height, wherein the corrugated member is convertible between the contracted state and the expanded state, wherein the flex height is the difference in height between the apex and the basin, and wherein the flex height in the expanded state is less than the flex height in the contracted state; a first cap disposed on the first member end, the first cap comprising a first cap bottom section, a first cap top section, and a first digit passage; and a second cap disposed on the second member end, the second cap comprising a second cap bottom section, a second cap top section, and a second digit passage.
 2. The therapeutic toy of claim 1, the first cap bottom section comprising a first cap bottom retaining portion, the first cap top section comprising a first cap top retaining portion, the second cap bottom portion comprising a second cap bottom retaining portion, and the second cap top portion comprising a second cap top retaining portion.
 3. The therapeutic toy of claim 2, the first member end comprising a first conduit and a first inner lip, and the second member end comprising a second conduit and a second inner lip, wherein the first cap top retaining portion and the first cap bottom retaining portion contact the first conduit and the first inner lip, and wherein the second cap top retaining portion and the second cap bottom retaining portion contact the second conduit and the second inner lip.
 4. The therapeutic toy of claim 1, the first cap bottom portion comprising a first cap bottom column, the first cap top portion comprising a first cap top column, the second cap bottom portion comprising a second cap bottom column, and the second cap bottom portion comprising a second cap top column, wherein the first digit passage is formed by the first cap bottom column and the first cap top column, and wherein the second digit passage is formed by the second cap bottom column and the second cap top column.
 5. The therapeutic toy of claim 1, further comprising a first member bottom opening and a first member top opening disposed on the first member end, and a second member bottom opening and a second member top opening disposed on the second member end, wherein the first member bottom opening is sized to accept the first cap bottom column and the first member top opening is sized to accept the first cap top column, and wherein the second member bottom opening is sized to accept the second cap bottom column and the second member top opening is sized to accept the second cap top column.
 6. The therapeutic toy of claim 1, the first cap further comprising a first outer rim and a first inner rim, the second cap further comprising a second outer rim and a second inner rim.
 7. The therapeutic toy of claim 1, the first cap bottom section, the first cap top section, the second cap bottom section, and the second cap top section, each comprising at least one tab and at least one pocket, wherein the at least one pocket is sized to accept the at least one tab. 